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R134a Extraction vs CO2 for Cannabis Extraction
In this short article, George Stantchev, the CEO of PURE5 Extraction, highlights the benefits of using PURE5's R134a extraction method in comparison to CO2 for extracting cannabis. PURE5 initially developed https://pure5extraction.com/lab-equipment/ Liquefied Gas Extraction Technology in 2004 for applications in the meals, pharmacy, and perfumery industries. However, the company has now expanded its expertise into the medical cannabis field.

Some great benefits of PURE5 Cannabis Extraction
Post-Winterized Full-Spectrum Oils
One efficient method of cannabis extraction involves using tetrafluoroethane (TFE) R134a as a solvent. R134a is often within aerosol products created for drug delivery. Extracts obtained like this are referred to as post-winterized full-spectrum oils because the extract typically contains significantly less than 5% waxes immediately after extraction. The procedure closely resembles CO2 extraction as both methods utilize a gas for extraction, that is then liquefied upon contact with the plant material.

The R134a extraction process is conducted at low pressure and room temperature within a closed-loop system. By pressurizing the gas slightly, it is directed through the plant material, and can strip the natural oils from the cannabis. The gas is then recovered in a separation tank, abandoning the full-spectrum oil. It's worth noting that R134a is known as safe for human health, as it is non-toxic, FDA-approved, and qualifies as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). EUROPE has also approved using R134a as a solvent in accordance with EC Directive 2009/32.

Because of its small, non-polar molecule size and inert nature, R134a penetrates plant tissue effectively and extracts the oil-soluble fractions thoroughly. The extraction process maintains a neutral impact on the plant's full spectrum oil. This technique allows for the collection of the entire terpene profile without degrading any components, rendering it perfect for use on fresh plants. R134a does not extract solids, eliminating the necessity for winterization typically. Additionally, it avoids transferring water-soluble compounds such as for example chlorophyll, mold, or certain pesticides in to the extract. Therefore, R134a extraction ensures the purity of plant oils. This technique, known as Pure Botanical Extracts (PBXTM), was pioneered by COMERGTM, which holds the worldwide intellectual property and know-how for R134a extraction technology.

CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction is probably the most widely used methods for extracting cannabis. It utilizes the supercritical properties of CO2 gas to strip materials from botanical substances. Although this extraction method has been employed in various industries, including perfumes and essential oils, the structure of cannabinoids differs significantly from that of essential oils. Consequently, the extraction of cannabis oils with CO2 involves running supercritical extraction for cannabinoids and subcritical extraction for terpenes, making the process time-consuming.


CO2 is really a low-density gas that will require pressurization to approximately 600 atmospheres to function as a solvent for thick oils. Consequently, scaling up CO2 systems and operations can be expensive due to the process architecture.

Moreover, CO2 extraction does not perform well with moist materials, because the interaction between moisture and CO2 leads to undesired acidity levels in the extract.

R134a Extraction
In contrast to CO2, R134a can be an inert, odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive gas that will not produce acid in the current presence of moisture. This expands its applications to add various pH-sensitive pharmaceutical products.


It's important to note that extraction at room temperature prevents thermal degradation or lack of volatile compounds through the isolation process. The low boiling point of R134a eliminates the necessity for complex and slow solvent recovery.

Unlike CO2 extraction, which demands specialized training and expensive equipment, R134a extraction is easy to operate and delivers highly consistent output oil even though handled by non-scientific personnel. CO2 extraction requires substantial capital expenditure (CapEx) as a result of necessity of multiple systems and a substantial workforce, making it costlier compared to R134a extraction, which boasts minimal maintenance costs and workforce requirements.

Dr. George Stantchev, the CEO of PURE5, emphasizes their ongoing pursuit of safer and much more efficient solvents for extracting plant-derived resins. He acknowledges the value of a skilled chemist who understands the properties of the target materials to be extracted and the selectivity of the solvent.

To find out more about PURE5 and their extraction methods, please contact George Stantchev, CEO of PURE5, at (602) 992-0744.


To conclude, PURE5's R134a extraction method offers distinct advantages over traditional CO2 extraction in terms of efficiency, purity, and ease of operation. With its focus on utilizing safer solvents and achieving high-quality extractions, PURE5 reaches the forefront of innovation in neuro-scientific cannabis extraction.



Website: https://pure5extraction.com/lab-equipment/